The Futian People's Court in Shenzhen, China, handed down sentences
to 11 ringleaders of the world's largest software counterfeiting
syndicate today. The sentences, ranging from 1.5 to 6.5 years, include
the longest sentences handed down for this type of crime in China's
history. <br><br>Microsoft and hundreds of Microsoft customers
and partners also provided information which assisted in the
investigation.<p>The 11 accused were part of a criminal syndicate
responsible for manufacturing and distributing more than an estimated
$2 billion (U.S.) worth of high-quality counterfeit Microsoft software.
The counterfeit software, found in 36 countries and on five continents,
contained fake versions of 19 of Microsoft's most popular products and
was produced in at least 11 languages.</p>"Microsoft greatly
appreciates the work of China's PSB and the FBI in taking strong
enforcement action against this global software counterfeiting
syndicate," said David Finn, associate general counsel for Worldwide
Anti-Piracy and Anti-Counterfeiting at Microsoft.<br>-------------------<br>Full story at <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/dec08/12-31ChinaSentencingPR.mspx">http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/dec08/12-31ChinaSentencingPR.mspx</a><br>
=========<br><br>Indian jails are in horrible condition. Everybody there want to get out on bail as fast as possible. Nobody is interested to go there.<br><br>Lets continue with Free Software, experience "high-quality original" software, enjoy our freedom and deny Microsoft lovers from taking centrestage of our lives.<br>
<br>CK Raju<br>